1
Will meditation work for me? I have a monkey mind!
Yes, because thoughts are a part of meditation. Scientists say we have between 80,000 and 100,000 thoughts a day. Make that number 100,001, because now I’m thinking about all those thoughts.
Vedic Meditation is a natural and effortless technique that de-excites the mind. Once the mind de-excites, you’ll notice that you’ll have fewer and fewer thoughts. You can have a calm disposition or an active one, and have it work just the same. Anyone can learn this type of meditation.
2
How long until I feel the benefits?
Within the first week of meditating, most people report having more energy and sleeping better. Friends and family will often notice the difference too.
3
Do I have to sit in a weird position or chant?
Only if you want pictures for Instagram. When we meditate, we sit comfortably with our eyes closed. We can change our position anytime for maximum comfort. To anyone watching it looks like we’re resting or taking in the sun.
4
Do I need a special room to meditate?
No, it’s a completely portable practice. You don’t need silence either. You just need to find a comfortable place to sit.
5
Is Vedic Meditation Hindu? Do I have to change my religious beliefs?
No, Vedic Meditation is not Hindu; it’s not Indian either, although it comes from ancient India. Many cultures throughout the world knew how to meditate but the practice was lost over time. In India, it was preserved through the master-disciple lineage. Vedic Meditation comes from the Veda, a 5000-year-old body of knowledge. It’s a body of knowledge that also brings us yoga and ayurveda. Like yoga and ayurveda, people of all religions and races practice this type of meditation.
6
What qualifies Jill to teach Vedic Meditation?
I graduated from teacher training with Thom Knoles, the foremost teacher of Vedic Meditation in the West. Thom has been inducted as a Maharishi of the Shankaracharya Tradition, by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Giri Ji Maharaj ("Maharaj-ji" for short, thank goodness, right?), the supreme authority of the Vedic worldview and the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math in India. Only teachers under Thom's guidance have the personal blessing and recognition of Maharaji-ji to teach Vedic Meditation.
Teacher training includes 3 months of study in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. Prior to being accepted, there are many prerequisites including 2 years worth of courses. Even as a qualified teacher, I continue to actively learn under the tutelage of Thom.
7
How is Vedic Meditation different from Transcendental Meditation?
VM is the OG TM!
I was trained to teach Vedic Meditation by Thom Knoles, who continues to teach this form of meditation. Thom was trained as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation (“TM”) by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (“Maharishi”), and taught it for over 25 years with organizations affiliated with Maharishi. Since 1997, Thom has continued to teach meditation as he learned it from Maharishi, and has done so independently and separately from the TM organizations. I am also an independent meditation teacher and am not affiliated in any way with the Maharishi Foundation USA.
8
Where am I going to find the time to fit this into my busy life?
After learning this technique, you’ll have more energy and be more efficient with your day. You’ll think clearer, have better reaction times and ultimately be more effective. During the course, I’ll share tips and suggestions for how to fit it in your busy schedule.
9
What does scientific research say about this form of meditation?
Hundreds of scientific studies have shown a wide range of benefits from regular practice including:
Relief from anxiety. Need any other reason?! Okay here's more:
Relief from constipation, seriously!
Relief from migraines and headaches
Relief from menopause
Relief from insomnia
Improved memory
Faster reaction times and more energy
Reduced cholesterol levels
Normalization of blood pressure
Slows down biological aging
Stronger immune system
Reduced addictive behaviors
Normalization of weight
Happier! The best reason of all.
10
Do you teach children?
Yes, their practice is tailored to their age group and it doesn’t require sitting with their eyes closed. It is required that at least one parent or guardian has learned Vedic Meditation.
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Have a question that's not listed here, schedule an intro talk or email me at jillnoelmeditation@gmail.com.
Jill teaches independently and is not affiliated with any proprietary organization. She expressly disclaims any association with Maharishi Foundation Ltd. (a corporation with limited liability), its programs, its methods, its trademark "Transcendental Meditation" (the common words "transcendental" and "meditation" as defined in Webster's Dictionary but given an initial capital) and its licensees. Vedic Meditation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition.